More GOPers Saying No to CAFTA

Reuters today reports that Idaho Reps. Mike Simpson (R) and Butch Otter (R) and "declared on Tuesday they would not vote for a new free trade agreement with five Central American countries and the Dominican Republic (CAFTA)." They join fellow GOPers Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) and Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) in opposing the trade deal. This is very good news because, as Reuters notes, "opposition from labor groups, sugar producers, much of the textile industry, [and] most Democrats in the House of Representatives [means] the White House needs every Republican vote it can get."

Let's hope there are some pointed questions for new U.S. Trade Representative-nominee Rob Portman when he comes before the Senate for confirmation. He needs to explain why the White House is so determined to push these kind of free trade deals, even as they are ravaging America's economy, hurting our job base, and creating record trade deficits. And let's hope Democratic opposition to CAFTA remains strong, as it presents an excellent chance to play offense in "red" America.